THE enforced delays on Winchester's road network will now stretch into June.

Motorists face a summer of discontent after workers, getting ready to close off Southgate Street, uncovered a 6ft-wide and 10ft-long concrete slab, reinforced with half-inch steel bars. It is also 6ft thick.

Southern Gas Networks was due to move into the street and close it on Monday, but they have found more pipes and cables than expected, as well as the giant slab, thought to have been used to protect a sewer or utility cables.

Progress has been delayed by a fortnight, delaying scheduled completion of the whole works to mid-June. SGN will maintain pedestrian access to businesses to try to ensure trade as usual.

Said HCC executive member for environment, Tim Knight: "It is unfortunate that this scheme has been extended because of the find. "There is no getting away from the fact that these road closures will cause a significant level of disruption, but these gas works are absolutely necessary and the county and city councils will be working very closely with SGN to help them keep delays to a minimum."

Last week, Graham Love, of the City Centre Partnership, said: "When work begins in Southgate Street, we will really see an impact on traffic flow and people will have to make changes to their plans."